Teaching summary
In this sermon, Pastor Leonard Rola shares a deeply personal testimony of healing, faith, and God’s faithfulness through a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. Using Colossians 1:3-14 as the foundation, he teaches the “three Rs” of every believer: rescued, relocated, and redeemed. The message explains how Jesus Christ rescued believers from sin and darkness, relocated them into the Kingdom of God, and redeemed them through His blood. Throughout the teaching, Pastor Leonard emphasizes grace, identity in Christ, the finished work of Jesus, and the believer’s new life in God.
Bible verses referenced
Colossians 1:3-14- “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.”
(Referenced throughout the sermon from Colossians 1 regarding the believer’s identity in Christ.)
Full Passage: “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
Romans 5:12- “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
Romans 6:6- “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
Romans 6:14- “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
Romans 6:23- “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 7:14-20- “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”
Acts 17:28- “For in him we live, and move, and have our being.”
2 Corinthians 5:17- “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Romans 6:4-5- “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
Galatians 3:13- “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
Ephesians 1:7- “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
1 Peter 1:18-20- “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.”
1 John 4:7- “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Opening Testimony of Healing and God’s Faithfulness
- Trusting God Through Cancer and Medical Treatment
- God’s Provision in Everyday Life
- Introduction to the Three Rs of Every Believer
- Colossians 1:3-14 and the Power of the Gospel
- Revival, Grace, and Fruitfulness in Christ
- The Importance of Identity in Scripture
- Rescued: Delivered from Sin and Death
- Relocated: Transferred into God’s Kingdom
- Redeemed: Purchased Back Through the Blood of Jesus
- The Value God Places on Humanity
- Closing Encouragement and Worship
Opening Testimony of Healing and God’s Faithfulness
Pastor Leonard begins the sermon overwhelmed by the presence and love of God. He becomes emotional while reflecting on his journey through cancer and how faithful God has been to him over the years. He shares that it had been four years since his treatments ended and remembers receiving the initial biopsy call five years earlier. The doctors informed him that he qualified for experimental drugs because he only had a two percent chance of survival. Although he admits there was a brief moment of fear, he explains that he was not afraid for himself but for his wife and family. Soon afterward, God gave him a personal word that became the anchor of his faith: “You will live and not die.” He explains that this word was all he needed to stand in peace.
Pastor Leonard emphasizes that God instructed him to “proceed with peace,” which led him to pursue medical treatment while trusting fully in God’s guidance and healing power. He explains that if God had instructed him not to seek treatment, he would not have, but he followed the peace God gave him. He describes how multiple specialists reviewed his case before he was sent to another doctor who had recently returned from China and had experience with the rare condition. That doctor gave him a completely different outlook, telling him he had a ninety-eight percent chance to live rather than die.
Pastor Leonard rejoices that after recent testing, everything was found clean and clear. He praises God openly for His goodness, healing, and faithfulness.
Trusting God Through Cancer and Medical Treatment
Pastor Leonard continues describing how God guided him through every stage of the process. He explains that even while hearing difficult medical reports and facing uncertainty, he remained grounded in God’s promise and peace.
He shares how God’s direction was practical and personal. God did not remove wisdom or medical assistance from the equation; instead, he led him step by step. He stresses that believers must learn to follow the peace of God.
The testimony becomes an encouragement to trust God during impossible circumstances. Pastor Leonard repeatedly points to God’s goodness and to the reality that faith does not mean fear never appears, but that God’s word becomes greater than fear.
God’s Provision in Everyday Life
Pastor Leonard transitions into thanking God not only for healing but also for daily provision. He humorously tells the congregation how he prayed that morning about needing work and finances, and shortly afterward received a large pest-control job involving apartment bed bugs.
He uses this as an example of God caring about every aspect of life, including finances, employment, and practical needs.
He also humorously celebrates the New York Knicks winning after many years, sharing his joy especially for his son who had remained a loyal fan through years of disappointment. This portion of the sermon reflects the pastor’s desire to recognize God’s goodness in both major and everyday moments.
Introduction to the Three Rs of Every Believer
Pastor Leonard explains that God had already given him the sermon before he arrived home from a ministers’ convention. The message would focus on “the three Rs of every believer.” After joking about “reading, writing, and arithmetic,” he introduces the actual three Rs found in Colossians 1:3-14:
-Rescued
-Relocated
-Redeemed
He explains that these three truths define the believer’s position and identity in Christ.
Colossians 1:3-14 and the Power of the Gospel
Pastor Leonard reads from Colossians 1:3-14 and explains Paul’s deep love and prayer for believers.
“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel. Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth.”
Pastor Leonard says he personally understands Paul’s heart because he prays for the church every day. He explains that the Gospel changes lives everywhere it goes. He speaks about revival occurring throughout the world, particularly in underground churches in China. He shares stories from his daughter Allison’s involvement in secret online ministry to underground believers.
Pastor Leonard emphasizes that the Gospel naturally produces fruit just as an apple tree naturally produces apples. He teaches that righteousness, holiness, peace, joy, and love should flow naturally from believers who are rooted in Christ.
Revival, Grace, and Fruitfulness in Christ
Pastor Leonard emphasizes the transforming power of grace.
“Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth.”
He explains that the Gospel changes marriages, families, attitudes, and entire lives. He shares how the Gospel transformed his own family and personal life. He also recounts how “crazy neighbors” led his family to Jesus decades earlier. Though others warned them to stay away from those people, those same individuals became instruments God used to bring salvation.
Pastor Leonard explains that love for others is evidence of being born of God.
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”
The Importance of Identity in Scripture
Pastor Leonard discusses the importance of understanding Scripture through the lens of grace and identity in Christ. He explains that many Bible translations fail to emphasize what believers already possess in Christ. According to him, proper understanding of Scripture should continually reinforce that believers already are, already have, and already can because of Jesus. He references truths such as believers having all spiritual blessings, knowing God’s will, and possessing everything needed for life and godliness.
He briefly mentions his own book titled “I Am, I Can, and I Have,” which reflects these identity-centered teachings.
Rescued: Delivered from Sin and Death
Pastor Leonard begins teaching the first R: rescued. He defines rescued as being saved or freed from a dangerous or harmful situation. He explains that humanity needed rescue because of sin and death entering through Adam.
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
He explains that Jesus rescued believers from the power and dominion of sin.
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
Pastor Leonard repeatedly emphasizes that sin is no longer the believer’s master because of grace.
He then quotes: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
He explains that Christ’s blood and sacrifice rescued humanity from eternal separation and bondage. Pastor Leonard also discusses Romans 7, describing Paul’s struggle before fully understanding life in Christ.
“For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.”
He explains that Jesus is the answer to humanity’s inability to save itself.
Relocated: Transferred into God’s Kingdom
The second R is relocated.
Pastor Leonard defines relocated as moving a person into a new place. He teaches that believers have been transferred from darkness into God’s Kingdom.
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” He explains that believers now live, move, and exist within Christ.
“For in him we live, and move, and have our being.” He continues by explaining the believer’s new identity.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Pastor Leonard stresses that Christians are no longer defined by their old lives but by their new identity in Christ. He also teaches from Romans 6 about being united with Christ in death and resurrection.
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
He explains that believers now live resurrection lives because they have been spiritually relocated into Christ.
Pastor Leonard also references Galatians 3:13.
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
He explains that Christ became the curse so believers could be relocated into blessing.
Redeemed: Purchased Back Through the Blood of Jesus
Pastor Leonard introduces the final R: redeemed. He defines redeemed as recovering, buying back, or exchanging something for value. He explains that Adam forfeited humanity’s inheritance through sin, but God’s plan from the beginning was redemption through Jesus Christ.
Pastor Leonard becomes emotional while explaining that God considered humanity valuable enough to exchange His Son for them. He teaches that Jesus’ suffering and blood demonstrate humanity’s value in God’s eyes.
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
He then reads:
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.”
Pastor Leonard explains that gold, silver, and earthly riches could never compare to the value of Christ’s blood.
The Value God Places on Humanity
Pastor Leonard encourages believers never to think lowly of themselves. He explains that feelings of inferiority disappear when believers understand the greatness of what God gave through Jesus Christ. He teaches that the cross reveals how deeply valued humanity is to God. He also shares a humorous story about being removed from his high school choir because of his singing voice, yet later serving as a worship leader in church.
He concludes this section by singing the hymn:
“Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.”
Closing Encouragement and Worship
Pastor Leonard closes by reminding believers of the three Rs that belong to every Christian:
Rescued
Relocated
Redeemed
He declares that through the blood of Jesus Christ, believers have been rescued from sin, relocated into God’s Kingdom, and redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus. The sermon ends with prayer, thanksgiving, worship, and praise to God for the gift of His Son.
We hope this article blessed you and strengthened your understanding of who you are in Christ. Share this teaching with others so they too can be encouraged by the truth that through Jesus Christ we have been rescued, relocated, and redeemed.